Abstract: A mobile computerized apparatus configured to provide membership status in a roadside assistance program after occurrence of a roadside event is disclosed. The apparatus executes instructions that cause/allow the apparatus to receive input related to an electronic membership card, retrieve from a data store membership information associated with the vehicle, and dynamically update the electronic membership card for display on the apparatus.

Abstract: A mobile computerized apparatus or method configured to coordinate towing facilities and roadside assistance providers and their available capacity to tow and provide roadside assistance and match users with those towing facilities and roadside assistance providers is disclosed. The apparatus or method may be configured to consider the following factors in matching the towing facilities/roadside assistance providers and users: (a) availability of nearby towing facilities; (b) telematics information from the vehicle to assist with the diagnosis/repairs; (c) preset preferences of the user; (d) insurance information (such as the type of the vehicle the user has and the user's home address); and (e) the capabilities of the towing facility.

Abstract: A device for processing a stream of video data which comprises a sequence of frames comprises an interface configured to receive the stream of video data. A processing device is configured to create a three-dimensional environment from a frame of the sequence of frames when a freeze condition is detected. The processing device is configured to generate a series of frames from the three-dimensional environment. The series of frames represents the three-dimensional environment from a plurality of points of view. The processing device is configured to insert the generated series of frames into the sequence of frames to generate a modified sequence of frames to conceal a freeze.

Abstract: A mobile computerized apparatus configured to provide membership status in a roadside assistance program after occurrence of a roadside event is disclosed. The apparatus executes instructions that cause/allow the apparatus to receive input related to an electronic membership card, retrieve from a data store membership information associated with the vehicle, and dynamically update the electronic membership card for display on the apparatus.

Abstract: A mobile computerized apparatus for use with a roadside assistance program to assist in identifying a service provider, such as a tow truck, is disclosed. The apparatus transmits relevant information to a remote server. The server in turn provides information about a plurality of service providers available to service the vehicle.

Abstract: A latching device includes input and output latching elements to receive and output data values wherein the input and output elements are configured to receive a first and second clocks, respectively. The clocks have the same frequency but are inverted. The elements are transparent and transmit data between an input and an output in response to the first value of a received clock and are opaque and hold the data value in response to a second value of the received clock, such that in response to the first and second clocks the input data value is clocked through the input and output elements to the output. The device includes a device for selecting an operational data value or a diagnostic data value for input to the input element in response to a value of a diagnostic enable signal indicating a functional mode or a diagnostic mode.

Abstract: A mobile computerized apparatus for use with a roadside assistance program to assist in identifying a service provider, such as a tow truck, is disclosed. The apparatus transmits relevant information to a remote server. The server in turn provides information about a plurality of service providers available to service the vehicle.

Abstract: A latching device includes input and output latching elements to receive and output data values wherein the input and output elements are configured to receive a first and second clocks, respectively. The clocks have the same frequency but are inverted. The elements are transparent and transmit data between an input and an output in response to the first value of a received clock and are opaque and hold the data value in response to a second value of the received clock, such that in response to the first and second clocks the input data value is clocked through the input and output elements to the output. The device includes a device for selecting an operational data value or a diagnostic data value for input to the input element in response to a value of a diagnostic enable signal indicating a functional mode or a diagnostic mode.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the performance of a graphics intensive software program for graphics acceleration hardware. This system and method encompasses a procedure that validates the different functions of a 3D acceleration capable video card, decides whether to use the acceleration hardware and optimizes the software application to selectively use the functions that work on the specific video acceleration card. Functions checked include sub-pixel positioning, opacity, color replacement and fog. If these tests are successful, then the graphics acceleration is used by the software application. However, if the tests are not successful the decision is made not to use graphics accelerator. Those with ordinary skill in the art will realize that it is not necessary to perform all of the tests in a specific order.

Abstract: A system and method for graphically showing the animation order of animated elements in a presentation program or other software. The invention consists of a User Interface (UI) widget which shows the order of the animation in the presentation. This UI employs an animation On Object User Interface (OOUI), or animation tag, that is preferably a rectangular control that encloses a number, and labels the order in which objects are animated. Each animation OOUI or animation tag is associated with an object on a display during creation and editing. The animation OOUI or tag is preferably placed in close proximity to the object it is associated with, rather than in a separate window or dialog box, and is hence termed ‘On Object’. The animation tag is active and responds to computer input device selection actions. Each animation OOUI is typically associated with an animation list.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a presentation electronically. The invention takes advantage of the multiple monitor capabilities of a computer operating system to display a “control panel” on the computer monitor or laptop screen that typically only the presenter will view. The presenter can use this control panel to view and control the presentation while the audience only sees a full screen slideshow. Providing this “presenter” view and control makes computer-based presenting much easier. The presenter can control the specific aspects of the slideshow from the private monitor using control buttons or keyboard shortcuts.

Abstract: A system and method for graphically showing the animation order of animated elements in a presentation program or other software. More particularly, the invention consists of a User Interface (UI) widget which shows the order of the animation in the presentation. This UI employs an animation On Object User Interface (OOUI), or animation tag, that is preferably a rectangular control that encloses a number, and labels the order in which objects are animated. Each animation OOUI or animation tag is associated with an object on a display during creation and editing. The animation OOUI or tag is preferably placed in close proximity to the object it is associated with, rather than in a separate window or dialog box, and is hence termed ‘On Object’. The enclosed number represents the number in a sequence of mouse clicks or other computer input device selection actions which causes an animation effect on an associated object or element.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the performance of a graphics intensive software program for graphics acceleration hardware. This system and method encompasses a procedure that validates the different functions of a 3D acceleration capable video card, decides whether to use the acceleration hardware and optimizes the software application to selectively use the functions that work on the specific video acceleration card. Functions checked include sub-pixel positioning, opacity, color replacement and fog. If these tests are successful, then the graphics acceleration is used by the software application. However, if the tests are not successful the decision is made not to use graphics accelerator. Those with ordinary skill in the art will realize that it is not necessary to perform all of the tests in a specific order.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the performance of a graphics intensive software program for graphics acceleration hardware. This system and method encompasses a procedure that validates the different functions of a 3D acceleration capable video card, decides whether to use the acceleration hardware and optimizes the software application to selectively use the functions that work on the specific video acceleration card. Functions checked include sub-pixel positioning, opacity, color replacement and fog. If these tests are successful, then the graphics acceleration is used by the software application. However, if the tests are not successful the decision is made not to use graphics accelerator. Those with ordinary skill in the art will realize that it is not necessary to perform all of the tests in a specific order.

Abstract: A system and method for graphically showing the animation order of animated elements in a presentation program or other software. More particularly, the invention consists of a User Interface (UI) widget which shows the order of the animation in the presentation. This UI employs an animation On Object User Interface (OOUI), or animation tag, that is preferably a rectangular control that encloses a number, and labels the order in which objects are animated. Each animation OOUI or animation tag is associated with an object on a display during creation and editing. The animation OOUI or tag is preferably placed in close proximity to the object it is associated with, rather than in a separate window or dialog box, and is hence termed ‘On Object’. The enclosed number represents the number in a sequence of mouse clicks or other computer input device selection actions which causes an animation effect on an associated object or element.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a presentation electronically. The invention takes advantage of the multiple monitor capabilities of a computer operating system to display a “control panel” on the computer monitor or laptop screen that typically only the presenter will view. The presenter can use this control panel to view and control the presentation while the audience only sees a full screen slideshow. Providing this “presenter” view and control makes computer-based presenting much easier. The presenter can control the specific aspects of the slideshow from the private monitor using control buttons or keyboard shortcuts.